Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global activewear market was valued at $439.17 billion in 2022
The global activewear market is projected to grow to $848.70 billion by 2030
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global activewear market from 2023 to 2030 is estimated at 8.14%
In 2021, women's activewear segment held the largest revenue share of over 40%
North America accounted for more than 30% of global activewear sales in 2022
E-commerce channels accounted for 25% of activewear sales globally in 2022
65% of U.S. consumers said they wear activewear even when not exercising
Men's activewear market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2029
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the activewear market with projected CAGR of over 9% during 2023–2030
The athletic footwear segment reached $128.42 billion in 2022
Athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion globally in 2021
Athleisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2022 to 2030
Nike generated $46.71 billion in revenue in FY 2022, with a large portion from activewear
Consumer Behavior and Spending
- 65% of U.S. consumers said they wear activewear even when not exercising
- 79% of Americans wear athletic apparel in daily life unrelated to exercise
- 43% of consumers reported they purchased activewear for comfort during the pandemic
- 50% of Gen Z consumers prefer to buy athleisure over traditional formalwear
- In 2023, 29% of global consumers consider sustainability when purchasing activewear
- In 2022, yoga apparel held a 30% share in women’s activewear sales
- Nearly 60% of U.S. adults bought at least one activewear piece during 2022
- In 2020–2022 period, digital try-ons increased purchases by 30% in activewear retail
- 56% of consumers say they're more likely to purchase from brands with active social responsibility messaging
- 61% of millennials say they've switched to a new activewear brand for sustainability reasons
- 42% of activewear shoppers consider functionality the top factor, ahead of brand or style
- The average price point for branded activewear in the U.S. is $45 per item
- Anti-odor and sweat-wicking features are preferred by 67% of activewear buyers
- 38% of global consumers in 2023 expect activewear to be both functional and fashionable
- 24% of global activewear buyers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable materials
- In 2023, 41% of American consumers say they wear gym shoes daily
- In 2022, 34% of apparel spending in the U.S. was on active and casualwear
- 73% of teens prefer sneakers over any other footwear
- 60% of teens wear athletic brands regardless of sport participation
- Digital-first activewear brands saw 3x higher engagement on social media vs legacy brands
- 47% of consumers say versatility is more important than price when selecting activewear
- 64% of gym-goers consider their workout clothes to be an expression of personal style
- 88% of shoppers discovered a new activewear brand through social media in 2022
- Over 35% of U.S. adults bought activewear due to influencer marketing campaigns
- 57% of shoppers prefer activewear that can transition from workout to errands
- 70% of consumers report increased comfort as key reason to invest in activewear
- Activewear purchases during pandemic surged 84% in China
- More than 1 in 4 U.S. consumers own at least 10 pieces of activewear
- 50% of gym members report buying new activewear at least once per quarter
- Digital fitness platforms increased demand for high-performance activewear by 22%
- On average, consumers spend $270 annually on activewear in North America
Interpretation
Once designed for sweat and reps, activewear has flexed its way into mainstream life as a $270-a-year uniform for comfort-craving, style-conscious, socially aware consumers who value versatility over vanity—proving that form, function, and fashion now jog in the same lane.
Distribution Channels and Sales Platforms
- E-commerce channels accounted for 25% of activewear sales globally in 2022
- Online penetration in the U.S. activewear market reached 30% by 2022
- Activewear brands experienced a 19% increase in mobile commerce in 2022
Interpretation
In 2022, activewear didn’t just go digital—it sprinted there, as nearly a third of U.S. sales moved online and mobile commerce flexed its muscles with a 19% gain, proving that clicks are the new reps in retail.
Market Size and Growth
- The global activewear market was valued at $439.17 billion in 2022
- The global activewear market is projected to grow to $848.70 billion by 2030
- The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the global activewear market from 2023 to 2030 is estimated at 8.14%
- In 2021, women's activewear segment held the largest revenue share of over 40%
- Men's activewear market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2029
- The athletic footwear segment reached $128.42 billion in 2022
- Athleisure market was valued at $358.07 billion globally in 2021
- Athleisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2022 to 2030
- Nike generated $46.71 billion in revenue in FY 2022, with a large portion from activewear
- Adidas generated €22.5 billion in net sales in 2022
- The U.S. activewear market was valued at $105.1 billion in 2022
- In 2023, Lululemon reported $8.1 billion in net revenue
- Lululemon experienced 23% year-over-year revenue growth in 2022
- Sustainable activewear market is expected to reach $13.3 billion by 2027
- The women’s activewear market is forecasted to reach $216.9 billion by 2026
- By 2025, personalized activewear products are expected to contribute $5 billion globally
- The global activewear fabric market is expected to reach $167.7 billion by 2030
- Between 2016 and 2021, the share of women’s activewear increased by 9% in the overall apparel market
- Compression apparel segment is expected to reach $8.8 billion globally by 2026
- U.S. men’s activewear market grew 12% in 2022
- U.S. women’s activewear declined 3% in 2022 compared to previous year
- Sales of running apparel grew by 21% in 2022 globally
- Lululemon expanded men's product sales by 28% year-over-year in 2022
- PUMA reported €8.46 billion in 2022 sales, strongly driven by activewear
- Under Armour generated $5.9 billion in global revenue in 2022
- Activewear resale grew 275% between 2020 and 2023
- In India, the activewear sector grew 18% year-over-year in 2022
- The adaptive activewear market is projected to reach $186 million by 2026
- Technical textiles used in activewear posted a CAGR of 5.2% from 2018 to 2023
- Secondhand activewear market is projected to grow to $10.2 billion by 2027
Interpretation
With the global activewear market sprinting toward nearly $850 billion by 2030—fueled by booming athleisure trends, sustainability shifts, and gender-inclusive innovation—it’s clear that stretchy seams, sweat-wicking fabrics, and performance branding are not just fashion statements but powerful economic engines in motion.
Product Trends and Innovation
- Polyester remains the most used material in activewear, accounting for over 55% of products globally
- Seamless apparel design in activewear grew by 13% in global adoption in 2022
Interpretation
As polyester continues to dominate over half the global activewear market and seamless design adoption sprints ahead by 13%, it’s clear the industry is stitching performance and comfort into a fast-evolving uniform of modern motion.
Regional Market Insights
- North America accounted for more than 30% of global activewear sales in 2022
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the activewear market with projected CAGR of over 9% during 2023–2030
Interpretation
While North America may currently lead the activewear pack with over 30% of global sales, Asia-Pacific is sprinting ahead as the industry's rising star, flexing a projected 9% growth rate that could soon reshape the global leaderboard.
